Student nurses' perception and understanding of elder abuse

Area of Science:

• Gerontological Nursing
• Healthcare Education
• Elder Abuse Prevention

Background:

• Elder abuse is often unrecognized and hidden from public awareness.
• Nurses require knowledge of elder abuse causes and detection to protect older adults.
• Healthcare professionals play a vital role in identifying and addressing elder abuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate student nurses' perception, knowledge, and awareness of elder abuse.
• To assess the preparedness of student nurses for identifying and managing elder abuse.
• To inform curriculum development in gerontological nursing.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative approach utilizing a 25-item questionnaire.
• Data collected from 245 student nurses (Year 1 and Year 3) in a bachelor's degree program.
• Convenience sampling used for participant recruitment.

Main Results:

• A significant percentage of students (47.8% Year 1, 76.9% Year 3) felt inadequately trained in elder abuse identification and management.
• Differences observed in the ranking of common elder abuse types between Year 1 and Year 3 students.
• 38% of Year 3 students believed elder abuse cases were primarily the responsibility of social workers, not nurses.

Conclusions:

• Student nurses do not feel adequately prepared to address elder abuse, despite expectations for their role.
• Findings highlight the need for improved gerontological nursing education on elder abuse.
• Curriculum enhancement can increase future nurses' understanding and competence in elder abuse prevention and intervention.